The patient is a previously vaccinated adult with a history of international travel. Appropriate testing confirmed the case on Monday, Dec. 24.

The Health District is notifying individuals who might have had contact with this patient and will not be releasing any additional information about the patient.

The measles vaccine is highly effective; however, some people may not be adequately protected. Recommendations for measles vaccination may vary depending on your age, occupation, or health status.

Because measles can be highly contagious, the Health District is advising people who visited the following locations between Dec. 10 and Dec. 18 to review their immunization status and contact their health care providers if they are not fully immunized against measles and have not already had the disease.

In addition, they should contact their health care providers if they develop a rash with fever or other symptoms consistent with measles within 21 days after their visit to these locations. It is recommended that anyone with symptoms contact a health care provider’s office before entering a health care facility to allow the facility to make appropriate arrangements to ensure the illness is not spread.

The risk of disease is low for persons previously vaccinated against measles or diagnosed with the disease. Because individuals who are not immune to measles might have been exposed between Monday, Dec. 10 and Tuesday, Dec. 18, the Health District is alerting the community about the possibility of measles transmission so that Valley residents have an opportunity to receive a measles immunization.

The Health District advises anyone who develops measles symptoms to seek medical attention.

Measles can be spread among susceptible people and can result in serious infections resulting in pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and death. Many people born before 1957 had the disease in childhood, and younger people are routinely vaccinated against it.

Symptoms can begin up to 21 days after exposure to the virus. On average, an infected patient will develop a fever about 10 days after exposure to the virus. The fever can last two to four days and can peak as high as 103˚ F to 105˚ F. Following this, people will often also develop a runny nose, cough, and/or red eyes.

On average, about 14 days after exposure the telltale rash appears; the rash can last five to six days. It begins at the hairline, moves to the face and neck, and eventually reaches the hands and feet. Measles can be spread approximately four days before the rash appears and four days after.

People who have had measles or have been adequately immunized against it are protected. Immunity can be determined by a blood test. People are considered immune if:

They were born before 1957 as many of them had the disease as a child;

They have written documentation of adequate vaccination:

One or more doses of a measles-containing vaccine administered on or after the first birthday for preschool-age children and adults who are not at high risk

Two doses of measles-containing vaccine for school-age children and adults at high risk, including college students, healthcare personnel, and international travelers